Xbox LIVE services interrupted, Companion app not working

Not a great sign, but launching the Xbox Companion app will result in you being greated with the "Can't sign in to Xbox LIVE" error message, making the app completely useless this evening.

Microsoft is aware of the problem and are actively working on it, but that's little comfort for those of us on a Saturday night looking to show off this prized technological marvel. Lets just hope that it gets resolved ASAP.

It's annoying that this app can't just control an xbox on the wireless network. I have three profiles on my xbox and depending on who was playing last the companion app might not work.
It kind of defeats the purpose of having a slick smartphone app to control video playback when you need to get out your controller and mess around with profiles before that app even works.

Have either of you used the companion app yet? You aren't making sense. You can also start games, which it needs a profile. The companion connects to the currently signed in user on the box. Not rocket science.

I do kind of wish that I didn't have to sign into my specific account in order to use the companion. I don't have Gold on my accound, since my roommate does. Because of this, though, if I am going to use the companion app to find something on Netflix, I have to turn on two controllers--one for each of our profiles. Not the worst thing, but I could probably find something to watch faster by using just the one controller than taking the time to sign in a second account, then connect the companion.

"Wouldn't u have to sign in anyway just to access ur personalized content?"
I don't care about personalized content, I just want to switch my TV to my Xbox's input and start using it without having to worry whether or not it's logged in.